JAMES REESE RELIEVED OF DUTIES AS HEAD FOOTBALLCOACH AT TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Sunday, November 21, 2004

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee State University has relieved James Reese of his duties as head football coach effective immediately, university officials have announced.
TSU president, Dr. James A. Hefner and Teresa Phillips, director of athletics, made the announcement following the conclusion of TSU's football season. Reese served five seasons as head coach, compiling a 24-33 overall record, including a 4-7 mark this season.
"We appreciate all of Coach's Reese's contributions as a student-athlete, assistant coach, and head football coach at Tennessee State University over the years," said TSU President Hefner. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
Dr. Jesse James, TSU's athletics faculty representative, has been appointed director of football operations during the period while a search is being conducted for a new head coach. James, a former TSU player and assistant coach, will oversee the daily operations of the football program.
Assistant coaches Rod Reed, Randy Fuller, Brandan Blew, and Shannon Harris have been retained. Assistant coaches Anthony Owens, Harry Galbreath, Dwayne Thomas, Eric Mathies, and Tony Turner have been relieved of their duties, also effective immediately.
A search will begin with the goal of having a new head coach in place as quickly as possible. Administrators are meeting with the TSU football team members on Sunday.
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